Beit Natan Winter Retreat -- Part II: Laughter is the Best Medicine

During the second day, there were four workshops that were offered twice. So we could choose two workshops. I chose the laughter workshop and a workshop led by a social worker who will be leading a group for women with metastesis. I decided to do the "serious" workshop first, so that I could finish with my crying in the morning. It was a good decision.

A few months ago, I attended a laughter workshop ("yoga tz'chok") for mothers and daughters, that was sponsored by my daughter's junior high school. Most of the young teens there (all 7th and 8th grade girls), were too self-conscious to participate. Many of the moms were too. But I had a good time, and laughed with the other moms who participated (and didn't care how silly we all looked).

From that experience, I knew that the laughter workshop would involve us doing/saying strange and funny things. I was more receptive this time, because I knew what to expect.

On my way into the afternoon laughter workshop, a friend, who had participated in the morning workshop, advised me not to look at anyone and to "just laugh." That was good advice.

I went in to the workshop with a very open mind, a willingness to be very silly, and a readiness to laugh. I focussed on the faciliator, Yehudit Kotler, (who was great) and followed all her silly instructions. And I laughed.

One of the other women, L, laughed at everything. A real, deep, contageous laugh. Every time I hesitated, I looked at L and burst into laughter.

By the end of the workshop, I was laughing so hard, I couldn't stop. I didn't even know what was so funny, but I couldn't stop laughing, even after the workshop was over.

At dinner, everything struck me as funny. I laughed at everything.

The evening program was with Tzvi Cohen, a well known, Israeli radio personality. The program was to figure out all sorts of word games, which he had created. I love those types of brain games, but in Hebrew I am completely lost. I think I figured out two answers the entire evening. It didn't matter, I still had a great time! He was very entertaining! I sat next to L, and we laughed the whole time. It was fun!

So, laugh with me!! hahahahaha, heeheeheehee

:-)

"When God brings about the return to Zion...then our mouths will be filled with laughter..." (Tehillin (Psalms)126:1-2)


Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA